'Dust lady' of 9/11 dies of stomach cancer

Marcy Borders has died of stomach cancer aged 42
Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images
Laura Proto26 August 2015

The 9/11 survivor who became known as the ‘dust lady’ because of an iconic photo she appeared in has died of stomach cancer nearly 14 years after fleeing the World Trade Center.

Marcy Borders was featured in media around the world after the tragedy in 2001 after she was pictured covered in dust while fleeing the scene of the terrorist attack.

Ms Borders, who died aged 42, was diagnosed with stomach cancer last August and claimed it had come from inhaling toxic air following the attack.

On the day of the terrorist attack, Ms Borders, then 28, was meant to be working on the 81st floor of 1 World Trade Center but was running late.

She was led to safety and a picture of her covered in dust, taken by Agence France Presse photographer Stan Honda, became one of the images that defined the tragic event.

Marcy Borders died of stomach cancer a year after her diagnosis
Dan Callister/Rex

Before her identity was revealed, she was known around the world as ‘dust lady’.

Paying tribute, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said: “Marcy Borders’ passing is a difficult reminder of the tragedy our city suffered nearly 14 years ago. NYC holds her loved ones in our hearts.”

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